Brewfontaine

 

In small towns, big dreams have the potential to become realities every single day.

Bellefontaine is home to 14,000 people in northwest Ohio and like many small towns of its size, the local craft beer scene just hadn’t quite made it to the area. Same goes for the restaurants; there were plenty of big chain choices and the rest of the local offerings were just so-so in 2015.

Jeramy and Brian were founders of the Bellefontaine Body Bearders, a group of guys who were passionate about good music, food and craft beer. Adam, (beardless, but also a beer lover) was the Relationship Marketing Expert for COMSTOR Outdoor. As luck would have it, he also brought his creative skills to the table with the Small Nation development team. The synergy of these like-minded people and the need to fill a gap in the town set the stage perfectly for a new business to be born

SMALL BIZ SUCCESS

Adam pitched his dream of a craft beer bar to the rest of the Small Nation team. Jason Duff, Small Nation CEO, not only agreed that there was a need for a business like this in town, but he offered to become an equity partner as well.

Small Nation looks at development from a completely different perspective than most developers. When considering a location, they also lookat what the town truly needs to fill a gap or drive outside traffic. They think about the brand impact that will be needed to create strong consumer appeal, and most importantly, the people who can make it all happen. If that magic combination exists, offering financing or joining forces in the journey toward success becomes a smart business move.

There just happened to be a building in Bellefontaine that would be perfect for a craft beer bar. It was in a great location and had been vacant for a long time so it was cheap, plus it had the personality and bones that could serve Adam’s vision. Jeramy and Brian were the perfect pair to run the business day to day. Their passion for the product and culture was the necessary fuel for Brewfontaine to spark and succeed. With available capital from the very beginning, they were able to launch big, move fast and quickly expand their revenue streams. By maximizing financial and human resources (both brain and brawn) while a small business was still in the concept stage, their potential for success was compounded exponentially.

DETAILS MATTER

The building they identified for Brewfontaine’s location had been vacant for years and the longer it sat empty, of course the worse it began to look. The perception was that a crumbly old building would take too much money to fix up, so no one bothered to consider it as a viable option for something new. But the Small Nation team had the ability to see possibilities and potential where others cannot.

The building was constructed in 1942 and was home to a local deli called Johnson’s Restaurant throughout the 1950s. It had a strong facade and the interior was still covered in shiny subway wall tiles. The food pass was still in existence between the bar area and the kitchen. Renovation of the space was indeed an investment, but most likely much less than what others had perceived. The architectural style of the building, the brand concept and the interior upfit were all carefully planned to reflect the tastes and culture of the craft beer consumer and the local community.

Brewfontaine invested in a tap system that allowed the best quality and the widest variety of options. This small business in a small town offers an average of 16 beers on tap, 25 in bottles and 20 in cans for their local crowd every day, expanding the opportunity to taste, learn and experience flavors most would find in a big city. Whether it is mead, cider, liquor or beer, there is something here for everyone.

Their menu inspiration includes a nod to the Body Bearders club and its founders. Their signature hand-rolled pretzels are in the shape of a mustache and served with Saucy Sows sweet pepper mustard, a locally made product. Their scrumptious grilled sandwiches (matched perfectly with a featured craft beer) are served with Mumford’s potato chips, made just up the road in Urbana, Ohio. They even make their own IPA-soaked house pickles.

To create a sense of community and reward loyal patrons, Brewfontaine established the Mug Club. Members of this exclusive club enjoy benefits such as personalized mugs, discounts on drinks, and early access to special events. The Mug Club has not only enhanced customer loyalty but also created a tight-knit community of craft beer enthusiasts who regularly gather at Brewfontaine to share their passion.

The attention to detail during the planning process of a small business matters. It has a huge impact on the experience the customer enjoys and how quickly they tell their friends. Brewfontaine grew so quickly that they recently expanded their seating capability to include a heated outdoor pavillion.

Brewfontaine has become a hub for engaging community events that draw diverse crowds and enhance the local culture. Events like “Paint Your Partner” offer couples a fun and creative date night experience, while “Name That Tune” challenges musical knowledge in a lively atmosphere. Additionally, the “Dine to Donate” program allows patrons to support local charities and organizations, with a portion of the evening’s proceeds going to designated causes. These events not only provide entertainment but also strengthen Brewfontaine’s role as a community gathering place.

The success of Brewfontaine created demand for a larger space to host events, private parties, and overflow crowds. That need sparked the idea for The Syndicate- an elevated restaurant and cocktail bar built just steps away to complement the laid-back craft beer vibe of Brewfontaine. Designed to offer elevated food, handcrafted cocktails, and a dedicated event venue, The Syndicate expanded the group’s footprint downtown while providing a new dining experience that appeals to both locals and visitors.

Today, Brewfontaine has evolved into one of the town’s favorite gathering places, and was voted the best beer bar in Ohio for four years in a row.

CRAFT BEER

The craft beer industry experienced rapid growth over the past decade, reaching a peak that reshaped drinking culture in communities of all sizes. According to the Brewers Association, more than 9,700 breweries were operating in the United States in 2023, contributing over $77 billion to the U.S. economy. In recent years, however, the category has entered a period of correction. Changing consumer preferences, increased health awareness among younger demographics, and the rise of alternative beverage options have slowed traditional craft beer growth. Seltzers, ready to drink cocktails, nonalcoholic offerings, and THC infused beverages are capturing market share, particularly among younger consumers who are drinking less alcohol overall or seeking more variety.

Despite these shifts, the social role of neighborhood taprooms and gathering spaces remains strong, especially in small towns. Brewfontaine has adapted by broadening its menu beyond beer alone. In addition to rotating craft beer selections, the concept continues to add bowls, mocktails, and other non-beer options that meet evolving tastes and lifestyle preferences. This flexibility allows Brewfontaine to remain relevant as trends change, while still serving as a place where residents and visitors choose to stay local for food, drinks, and shared experiences rather than spending those dollars elsewhere.